CD-Charts Position 1
Average Rating:

Assassins (1991 Original Off-Broadway Cast)

by: Stephen Sondheim, Victor Garber, Patrick Cassidy

Release Date August 13, 1991
When my then-girlfriend (now wife) first played me "Assassins: a little over a decade ago, I really didn't know much about Sondheim. This is the one that really made me a convert. Beyond the intriguing concept, I happen to think it's a great score with possibly the most tuneful bunch of songs Sondheim has ever assembled.

In fact, it puzzles me to no end that the notion persists that Sondheim's work is not melodic. I defy anyone to listen objectively to songs like "The Ballad of Czolgosz", "Unworthy of Your Love" or "Another National Anthem" and tell me that with a straight face. These songs are terrific and tuneful, both fascinating and funny.

I should also say that, the performers in this recording are fantastic and ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 2
Average Rating:

The Island

from: Milan Records

Release Date July 26, 2005
My quest to find this soundtrack (though at the time, I didn't know this was the one I was looking for) began when I saw the Flyboys trailer a while back. The music in the trailer was amazing, and I was determined to find where it came from.

My search led me here, to Steve Jablonsky's The Island, and specifically track 14; My Name Is Lincoln.

Even if 'Lincoln' was the only track on the score, it may be worth the full price. Okay, not quite, but the song is VERY GOOD! Unfortunately, the rest of the score isn't quite as good, though it isn't terrible. It does not offer any strong themes or particularly memorable moments, it's kind of just there. I'm also not a huge fan of the last song, which I deleted from my mp3 player.
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CD-Charts Position 3
Average Rating:

Damn Yankees: 1994 Original Broadway Cast Recording

by: Jerry Ross

Release Date May 17, 1994
Great recording!!! Who knew Victor Garber and Bebe Neuwirth could sing???? This movie could make you a baseball fan if you aren't already :)

CD-Charts Position 4
Average Rating:

Disney Presents The Music Man (2003 TV Film)

by: Meredith Willson, Matthew Broderick, Victor Garber, Kristin Chenoweth

Release Date February 11, 2003
Comparing the Robet Preston feature presentation to the made for TV version might be unfair, but folks, save your money.

This edition of the Music Man has been put through the Disney Smoothie machine turning a first rate Broadway Musical into a dubbed over, under-acted snoozer.

Only Chuck Norris would have been a worse choice for Harold Hill and that's only cause Chuck can't sing. Obviously trying to top Robert Preston is a difficult job, but Matthew Broderick doesn't even come close. He's too young to have been a "con-man" with any experience. Besides, Disney costume people have him stuffed into a too tight costume and he looks like an overstuffed cheese Danish.

Disney also continues to over-sex their recent movies by ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 5
Average Rating:

Sondheim - A Celebration at Carnegie Hall (1992 Concert Cast)

by: Stephen Sondheim, Betty Buckley, Paul Gemignani, Patti LuPone, Liza Minnelli, Bernadette Peters

Release Date February 23, 1993
This is a wonderful double CD of fabulous musical numbers performed by theatre greats and directed by a legandary musical director.

CD-Charts Position 6
Average Rating:

Send in the Clowns: The Ballads of Stephen Sondheim

from: RCA Victor

Release Date October 22, 2002
Interesting compilation of Sondheim ballads with a great variety of artists - from the incomparable Cleo Laine and Barbara Cook to singers you've never heard of who are equally impressive.

CD-Charts Position 7
Average Rating:

Steamboy

from: Domo Records

Release Date March 08, 2005
While the entire album reflects the pacing and emotion of the film, the last track, "Ray's Theme" is the real gem. Much like the movie, the soundtrack builds to it's climax when Ray finally steps into the role of "hero" and the music follows suit. I purchased the CD for that final track, but I enjoy the finale much more after listening to the entire score. If you liked the movie you'll like the soundtrack.

CD-Charts Position 8
Average Rating:

Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street (1979 Original Broadway Cast)

by: Stephen Sondheim, Angela Lansbury, Cris Groenendaal, Len Cariou, Victor Garber

Release Date October 25, 1990
Having seen the original Broadway and subsequent revivals in NYC and LA, I must say that "Sweeney" never ceases to thrill - scored and written brilliantly. My only complaint with this particular 2-disc set (this was a replacement to an earlier 2-disc set) is that the libretto is not included.

CD-Charts Position 9
Average Rating:

Godspell: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

by: David Greene

Release Date 1973
Having seen the original Broadway and subsequent revivals in NYC and LA, I must say that "Sweeney" never ceases to thrill - scored and written brilliantly. My only complaint with this particular 2-disc set (this was a replacement to an earlier 2-disc set) is that the libretto is not included.

CD-Charts Position 10
Average Rating:

Damn Yankees

from: Decca U.S.

Release Date May 17, 1994
Great recording!!! Who knew Victor Garber and Bebe Neuwirth could sing???? This movie could make you a baseball fan if you aren't already :)